What makes you a great problem solver?
When a job description at Jacobs states that you need excellent problem-solving skills they mean it. The first sentence on their website outlines their work in solving the world's most critical problems while inventing the future. That's a tall order, so it is critical to be specific. Here are a few examples you might include:
- ability to think clearly under pressure
- emotional intelligence
- intuition
- agility
- adaptability
- advanced teamwork or leadership skills
- communication skills
- analytical ability to weigh risks and think through options
- training in specific problem-solving techniques
"I am a great problem solver because I do not allow stress to cloud my judgment and mute my creativity. I am a keen observer with a great memory which allows me to recall unique solutions or ideas. I am also a great listener and often serve to bridge the best ideas from my team members together. Jacobs is known for solving some of the world's toughest problems while mitigating the problems of the future. I would love the opportunity to work with the teams here at Jacobs that rise to that challenge."
"I am a great problem solver because I draw from the experience of others, whether solicited advice or through my prior observations and then I improve upon that, where possible. My memory and years in the industry have exposed me to many types of situations and problems, so I feel I have a vast amount of experience to draw from, allowing me to be creative and effective in the way I approach any challenge."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Considering my length of work experience in different projects, I have faced various types of issues and can definitely use the lesson learned in future situations. Also, attended different courses in the field of social science, including different types of people's personalities as well as potential strengths and weaknesses. By knowing team members' characteristics and their personalities, creative solutions can be found easily and I believe that many problematic situations can be turned into opportunities by focusing on solutions rather than the issue themselves.
Problem-solving methods that I have been using:
1. Fishbone
2. Brainstorming
3. Pareto Analysis
4. Root Cause Analysis
5. Whys
For example, we had a situation regarding an unacceptable defect in the cladding welds inside the main tower of the ____ plant. Using the fishbone technique, the following main reasons were found:
1. Personnel
2. Material
3. Measurement
4. Environment
5. Machines
Under each main category, there were some reasons that were registered and carefully investigated. Finally, the main reason was lack of cleaning between weld layers (PT used for each pass)
Amanda's Feedback
This is a good, solid answer.
